The Madrigal outfit was relegated at the end of the 2011-12 campaign but sealed immediate promotion back to La Liga with a second-placed finish in the Segunda Division.

Dos Santos joined the club over the summer and is optimistic about his new side's chances of competing.

"Villarreal is a team who in recent years has always been fighting for the Champions League places," the 24-year-old said on Thursday. "To talk about them is to talk about a big team in Spain. I think they've had a small dip last season but they are a team that can fight amongst the frontrunners.

"I think you have to be ambitious. I know the first thing is to make sure that we stay up and we can then aim higher. I think I have come to a big club with ambitions and I am very optimistic for the future."

Dos Santos went on to pledge to showcase his best form for his new employer next term.

"I would like to thank the club for making the effort to bring me here," he continued. "I have big hopes in this new period in my career. I really want to have a great season both individually and collectively.

"I think I am coming to a club that is very similar to my style of playing, who like to play with the ball and play well, and hopefully this season we can bring Villarreal back where they deserve to be, at the top. I will try to do all I can so that we have a great season and make the fans happy."